Fridge Recycling and Disposal
The UK disposes of over 2 million fridges every year. As fridges contain hazardous components, they need specialist treatment.
Pure Planet Recycling provides fridge recycling and disposal services to business customers. Our collection service handles both domestic-style and commercial refrigerators and freezers. This includes recycling medical fridges, vending machines, catering refrigeration and air conditioning units.
We are an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) for electrical waste. Our staff collect fridges from all types of businesses, schools and organisations. Using our fleet of vehicles, we offer a secure and reliable collection service.
Upon collection, we provide a Hazardous Waste Consignment Note. The paperwork details the number, type and weight of the fridges. This is an auditable route of disposal.
We recycle all our refrigerants at a fridge recycling plant here in the UK. They follow strict procedures to remove and treat each hazardous component.
We offer competitive pricing due to the large volume of fridges we dispose of. Domestic customers can find a local recycling location here.
Book A Fridge Collection
Booking a collection of old fridges and freezers is as easy as;
Step 1
Contact us detailing the number and type of fridges you have for recycling.
STEP 2
We provide you with a quotation for collecting and recycling the refrigerants.
STEP 3
We arrange a collection at a convenient time using our secure transportation.
STEP 4
Upon collection, we provide you with a Hazardous Waste Consignment Note.
STEP 5
We transport the waste back to our licensed recycling facility.
STEP 6
Once the recycling is complete, we issue a recycling report and invoice via email.
How Is A Fridge Recycled?
Have you ever wondered how a Fridge is recycled once you dispose of it? What happens to each section and the harmful gases contained within? This is the process used by the fridge freezer recycling plant:
1. Preparation
The first step is to remove any food, liquids, trays and shelves within the fridge.
2. Degassing
The fridge/freezer is then degassed to remove the hazardous gasses and oils. This stage of the process also involves removing the compressor and condenser.
3. Shredding and Fraction Segregation
An industrial shredder then breaks the fridge into small pieces. This separates the metal, plastic, and insulation foam.
4. Sieving
A sieve removes the polyurethane (PUR) foam from the other materials. The foam is then heated to release blowing agent gases.
5. Magnetic Separation
The shredded materials pass under a magnet. This removes ferrous metal, which is then reused in the manufacturing chain.
6. Eddy Current Separation/Air Separator
The remaining materials pass through an eddy current separator and air separator. This process segregates plastic from non-ferrous metals. The separated materials are then reused as recycled materials.
Both Stage 2 and Stage 3 happen an inert Nitrogen Atmosphere to reduce the risk of fire.
This process maximises the amount of materials that you can recycle.
Fridge Recycling FAQ
Pure Planet Recycling only offers a fridge collection service for business customers. We recommend finding a local recycling facility, which you can find here. You can also ask your local council if they offer a collection service.
The cost of recycling a fridge varies depending on the size, number and type. Please get in touch with us for an accurate collection price.
As fridges are hazardous waste, you must receive the correct paperwork for disposal. Anyone who collects end-of-life fridges must be a waste carrier and provide a Hazardous Waste Consignment Note. This details the type, volume and weight of the fridge. It should also show who is transporting the fridge and the disposal point.
In most cases, your local scrap metal yard will not accept fridges for recycling. Fridge plants need a license to recycle them. Unfortunately, fridges do not hold a scrap value.
As a fridge is hazardous waste, you usually can not put fridges into a skip. Please check with the supplier before doing so as surcharges may apply.
